The story of archives

Published August 17, 2023
Some of the artworks displayed at the exhibition.—Fahim Siddiqi / White Star
Some of the artworks displayed at the exhibition.—Fahim Siddiqi / White Star

KARACHI: All forms of art — visual, performing, textual — are about storytelling. Man is a storytelling animal. We like to tell and hear stories. Those who tell them with a fair degree of eloquence and artistic flair become artists. The question, why is it important to tell stories, has been dealt with in a two-person show titled A Wanderer’s Archives.

So why does one need to tell a tale? Answer: because it helps us empathise with people, identify with plausible and implausible situations and allows us to go through the process of catharsis that in turn enables us to make sense of our existence.

The two participating artists — Shameen Arshad and Shanzay Sabzwari — have done that very well, albeit through the visual medium.

Wait. There’s more to it: the emphasis is on ‘archive’. This implies that the past is being invoked here. A note explains: “The work is the assimilation of all that is part of the baggage that we lug through life, encased within the human body. The exhibition showcase the artists’ active search of understanding their identity as well as traits inherited and passed down the generations. These mind maps are rendered with thoughtful details and layered with expressionistic plot. Their work is a composite of layers, of research, time frames, cultural influences and sentiments.”

Two things need to be unpacked. The first is the phrase ‘expressionistic plot’, and the second is ‘baggage’. The former is to do with the technique whereby Shameen and Shanzay have tried to convey their innermost feelings, creatively playing with realities for visual impact. The latter is about memory. As we grow up (if not old), we tend to store fragments of all the good and bitter experiences in our minds that has a major contribution to who we become.

The above-mentioned technical and contextual aspects are nicely ‘expressed’ in vibrant and opulent artworks by Shameen and Shanzay — such as in ‘They’re Everywhere’ series and in the piece ‘A New Life’. They compel the viewer to dig into his/her own personal archive.

The show, currently under way at Koel Gallery, concludes on Thursday (today).

Published in Dawn, August 17th, 2023

Opinion

Revival? For whom?

Revival? For whom?

Numerous sets of numbers, not quoted by govt sources, suggest that things are not as dazzling as claimed by those who run the country.

Editorial

Premature alarm
Updated 20 Feb, 2025

Premature alarm

Improvement in headline inflation gives policymakers chance to fix investment policies, implement structural reforms.
Forsaken province
20 Feb, 2025

Forsaken province

AND the endless cycle of violence continues. The brutal killing on Tuesday night of seven Punjab-bound passengers in...
In poor health
20 Feb, 2025

In poor health

THE absence of decent and affordable healthcare in the country continues to ruin lives. An example of this is ...
Out of control
Updated 19 Feb, 2025

Out of control

AS bodies continue to fall in Kurram despite a state-sanctioned ceasefire, one wonders how long local militants’...
Hollow words
19 Feb, 2025

Hollow words

IT is not uncommon for politicians to resort to the use of hyperbole in order to boost their public standing. ...
Migration matters
19 Feb, 2025

Migration matters

THE grass, it seems, did appear greener on the other side to millions of people as evidenced by the latest UN ...